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The next chapter deals with Deva Pitha or the seat or stand for deities. These may be either separately constructed or made as part and parcel of the lower part of the deity. The size, shape and height of these seats or stands naturally differ with the different postures of the deity standing, sitting or reclining and also with the height and proportion of the deity according to rules laid down in the Āgamas and Silpa śăstras. As a general rule Utsava Devas that are in bronze have the pitha cast as a part of the form of the deity itself and they are provided with two transverse holes on either side for firmly connecting the deities with the seats on the Vāhanas. The combinations and ornamental layers of the pitha, are classified into five classes namely Padma pitha, Sēņa pitha, Kumuda pitha, Soma pitha and Bhadra pitha and the shape is classified into 10 kiuds 1. Mandala or circular or oval. 2. Caturasra (square) 3. Dirghākāra (rectangular) 4. Şödaśäsra (16 sides) 5. Dwā. dašūsra (12 sides) 6. Ashţăsra (octagonal) 7. Shadasra (hexagonal) 8. Ardhachandra (half-moon like) 9. Trikāņa (triangular) and 10. Cūpīkāra (bow-like),
The next chapter deals with Bēra Laksana (forms of deities) or 'Sculpture' proper. The setting up of images of the three principal deities, namely, Brahma, Vişniu and Rudra who are said to be the chief manifestations of Provi. dence for the purpose of creation, protection and destruction and of the minor deities who are said to be in charge of the varied functions in the universe is recommended for easy contemplation and for cultivating devotion or Bhakti towards them by performing acts of worship by means of offerings. The idols that are set up, by the way, get the Sannidhya or presence of deities, in the temple, by the act of consecration which is no other than a deep contemplation of the deity and of the mantra or mystic sylla bles which form its body in the form of sound, and transferring the thought. form to the idol. It is believed, and experience justifies the belief, that when the idol has been consecrated by highly.
